Red Keep ― Maegor's Holdfast…
The atmosphere is thick with sweat, sickness, and blood.
"GRAAAAAAAAAHH!" Baela Targaryen, naked from the waist down, screams in primal agony on the birthing bed. Maesters and midwives with bowls of hot water, linens, and medicines attend to her. They administer potions and poultices, trying to ease her suffering and help her body through the birthing process. Baela grits her teeth and pushes through each contraction, her body trembling with the effort of bringing new life into the world. "WOOOOOAAA!" As the hours pass, Baela's screams grow louder and more desperate. The sweat beads on her brow, her body wracked with pain and exhaustion.
Next to Baela's bed, her maternal grandparents, Lord Corlys Velaryon and Princess Rhaenys Targaryen, stood by their granddaughter as they readied themselves for the birth of their first great-grandchild. The Queen Who Never Was held onto Baela's hand, providing comfort and encouragement as she endured another contraction. As Baela gritted her teeth through another contraction, her grandmother's grip on her hand never wavered. Rhaenys's voice was soft but filled with a quiet strength that Baela found comforting. Lord Corlys stood by their side, his expression calm and steady, a pillar of support for his family in their time of need.
Alwyn oversees the labors. He goes immediately to Jaehaerys, who has just entered the room. "Ah, Prince Jaehaerys. You've arrived. Perfect timing," he said.
"NNNNNNNNGGGGGHHHH!"
"How is Baela?" Jaehaerys inquired.
"She's a strong woman. She's fighting with all her will, but the babe is proving rather stubborn."
"AAAAAARRRRGGHHHH!"
"She could use whatever support you can offer. I suggest you be there for her in her time of need."
Jaehaerys's protective nature kicks in, and he moves towards Baela, taking her hand in his. "Baela. I'm here," he said, trying to soothe her as best as he could. He could see the pain etched on her face, but he knew he had to be strong for her, to be her rock in this moment of agony. He gently strokes her hair, trying to offer some comfort as she struggles through this.
"GNNNNNNAAAAH! Fuck you, Jaehaerys! You did this to me!" Baela screamed, her eyes shut tight as she felt another contraction and pushed again.
Baela's words of anger and blame stung, but Jaehaerys knew it was the labor pain talking. He knew she didn't mean it and refused to let it affect him. Instead, he focused on being there for her, supporting her through every agonizing moment of childbirth.
"I know it hurts, but you're among the toughest women I've ever known. You can do this."
As Baela braced herself for another contraction and pushed once more, Jaehaerys stood by her side, his grip on her hand unwavering, his support unwavering. He knew that together and would do everything he could to ensure that Baela and their child were safe and healthy. As Baela's labor progresses, Jaehaerys remains by her side, offering support and comfort in any way he can. He wipes the sweat from her brow, holds her hand through each contraction, and whispers words of encouragement in her ear.
"Ooooohh!"
"Keep breathing," one of the midwives said.
Baela gasped and breathed heavily, allowing her head to fall back onto the pillow. Sweat dripped down her forehead, and her hair clung to her face. The pain was excruciating. With each breath inhaled through her nose and exhaled in short, sharp bursts, she groaned in agony, her teeth clenched. Despite the discomfort, Baela felt the midwives adjusting her position to a more comfortable reclining one. "Huff…! Huff…! Huff…! Huff…! Huff! Huff! Huff!"
"And push!"
Baela took a deep breath, shut her eyes tightly once more, and pushed with all her might. "GGGGGGGUUUUUUU!" she screamed, pushing with all her might. The pain was relentless, a sharp, stabbing sensation that seemed to radiate through every fiber of her being. Her body trembled with each contraction, her muscles tensing and releasing in a never-ending cycle of agony. Baela felt like she was being torn apart from the inside out, but she knew she had to keep pushing. She focused all her energy on bringing her baby into the world. She closed her eyes and tried to block out the pain, focusing instead on the rhythmic sound of her breathing.
"Will she be all right?" Jaehaerys asked.
"Baela will be fine," Rhaenys replied. "Most men would have dropped dead from such pain long ago, which is why only women would be able to endure it. We're stronger than many realize."
As the hours passed, Baela's strength began to wane. She felt as though she was being pushed to her limits, her body aching and exhausted. An overwhelming urge to close her legs suddenly surged through her, but the midwives prevented her from doing so. But through it all, her willpower was unwavering in the face of the intense pain. The midwives urged her to push, to channel all her strength into bringing her baby into the world. Sweat dripped down her forehead as Baela gritted her teeth and pushed with all her might, feeling the burning sensation of her baby's head crowning.
"I can see the head!" the midwives exclaimed.
"You're doing well, granddaughter," Rhaenys encouraged.
"UUURRRRAAAGGHHHHH!"
A deep, resonant moan escaped Baela's lips as she teetered on the brink of unconsciousness, the imminent arrival of her first child palpable as her cervix dilated further, the pain escalating with each passing moment. A primal, guttural scream tore through the room as the pressure intensified. Finally, after what felt like an eternity, she felt a surge of relief as the baby's head emerged, followed by the rest of its tiny body.
"*Waaaaah! Waaaah!*"
"There it is!"
"It's a girl," the older midwife informed her.
"Praise the Mother!"
"*Waaaaah! Waaaah!*"
Jaehaerys absorbed the news that he was now officially a father to a healthy baby girl. He had a daughter. Baela's exhaustion melted away as she gazed upon the tiny, squirming bundle. The pain of childbirth was quickly forgotten in the miracle of new life, and she knew at that moment that it was all worth it. Despite feeling exhausted, Baela was grateful that her daughter had arrived safely. She eagerly reached out her hands, ready to hold her precious newborn. As soon as the baby was placed in her embrace, both Jaehaerys and Baela looked at their daughter, overwhelmed with emotions at the start of a new chapter in their lives. The sense of wonder and awe at the tiny, fragile being they had brought into the world. As their attention was focused primarily on their daughter, Jaehaerys and Baela marveled at her delicate features, her tiny fingers and toes, her soft, pink cheeks, the way her eyes fluttered open to take in the world around her, and the way she already seemed to have a personality of her own.
"*Waaaaah! Waaaah!*"
"Shhh, shhh, shhh. Now, now… Momma's here," Baela spoke softly, tired, yet her protective maternal instincts were kicking in. She couldn't tear her eyes away from her daughter.
Rhaenys and Corlys were beside themselves with a sense of profound gratitude at the birth of their great-granddaughter. This momentous occasion celebrated the newest addition to their family and strengthened the longstanding blood ties that bound House Targaryen and House Velaryon. The familial connection was intricately woven through their granddaughter Baela and her cousin-husband, Jaehaerys Targaryen, further uniting the two ancient Valyrian noble houses in kinship and legacy. "My congratulations to you both," she said regally. The Queen Who Never Was keenly scrutinized the newborn girl; although of pure Valyrian blood, the child displayed an unexpected abundance of Targaryen features rather than Velaryon ones: a fair skin complexion, silver hair, and eyes in varying shades of purple, all likely inherited from Jaehaerys.
"Indeed," Corlys concurred. "Today marks a new beginning for both our houses." The Sea Snake looked upon his newborn great-granddaughter. "Tell me, have either of you decided on a name yet?"
"I must admit, we haven't had the proper time to―" Jaehaerys tried to speak.
"Laena," Baela announced, holding her baby close to her bosom. "I want to name our daughter Laena… after my mother."
The unexpected news that their granddaughter, Baela, wanted to name her daughter after her late mother, Lady Laena Velaryon, came as a complete shock to both Rhaenys and Corlys. However, Rhaenys Targaryen herself was the most deeply affected by this revelation. The Queen Who Never Was was nearly rendered speechless, overcome with emotion. It was as if a floodgate of emotions had been opened. Rhaenys believed that both Baela and Jaehaerys had conspired together to honor the memory of her deceased daughter, causing her eyes to fill with tears. She was touched by the gesture, moved by the thought that her daughter's memory would live on through her great-granddaughter. After all, it was a beautiful tribute to her daughter, and she couldn't deny the significance of such a gesture.
Jaehaerys was briefly taken aback by Baela's announcement that she had named their daughter without consulting him. However, after considering her perspective, he quickly composed himself and understood her decision. "Yes. Yes, her name shall be Laena. Princess Laena of House Targaryen," he reaffirmed, squeezing Baela's hand attentively.
Baela reciprocated the gesture while her face and neck were being dabbed with a wet cloth to cool her skin down. "Thanks… for understanding, tough guy," she said softly, her eyes barely open.
"I know how much your mother meant to you, Baela. She would be very proud of you."
"Awww… you're so sweet, Jay. But if you ever do this to me again… I'll cut your balls off."
"Promises, promises."
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"Ooh, by the Mother, she is so cuuuuuute!~" Aemma squealed.
Upon learning of Laena's birth, the royal family assembled in one room to catch a glimpse of the newborn. Aemma and Aegon were with their one-year-old daughter, Saena, standing beside their brother Jaehaerys and Baela as they eagerly looked forward to meeting their niece for the first time. Saena looked on with wide-eyed curiosity at her new cousin. As the doors opened, soft cooing and gentle whispers filled the room as the royal family's newest member was born. Laena, swaddled in a soft blanket, was a vision of pure innocence.
"Well, I'll be damned. Another girl joins the family," Aegon remarked. "My congratulations to you two. Should you or Baela require assistance, Aemma and I will gladly lend it. Trust me. We're quite experienced with this."
"Thanks, Aegon," Jaehaerys replied.
"Ooh, I can't wait to sew little dresses for her!" Aemma's eyes sparkled. She couldn't help but shower Laena with affection, already smitten with her adorable niece. "What's her name?"
"Laena. Laena Targaryen."
"Hi, Laena! I'm your auntie, Aemma!~ Can I hold her?"
Baela was cautious but hesitantly allowed it. "Just try not to wake her," she warned.
Jaehaerys and Baela observed their newborn daughter being passed from one relative to another. They knew their daughter would be cherished and protected by those holding her in their arms that day. The bond between generations was palpable, as each family member saw a piece of themselves reflected in the baby's innocent eyes. Aemma, filled with excitement, made funny faces and cooed at Laena, eliciting giggles from the baby. Aegon, always the jester, added to the merriment, causing Laena to laugh even harder. When Lord Corlys Velaryon held his great-granddaughter, memories of his own daughter's birth flooded back to him, thirty-three years in the past. It was a bittersweet moment for him. Reflecting on the legacy she left behind and the pain of losing her too soon, the Sea Snake found solace in that part of his daughter lived on through his granddaughters Baela and Rhaena, and now his daughter's namesake: his great-granddaughter.
As Rhaenys held the baby close, memories of her past came rushing back. The Queen Who Never Was couldn't help but reminisce about the day her daughter, Laena Velaryon, was born. She remembered the overwhelming rush of emotions she had felt when she had held her daughter for the first time, and now, all these years later, she was experiencing a similar wave of affection with her great-granddaughter. Cradling her great-granddaughter now, it felt like a piece of her history had been resurrected. Rhaenys softly whispered to the baby, gently swaying her in her arms. The baby stirred in her arms, her tiny fingers curling around Rhaenys' own. It was a simple gesture, but it filled Rhaenys with a sense of warmth and connection that she couldn't describe.
"Mother," Aemma noticed Alicent coming in.
Jaehaerys glanced over to find his mother, Queen Alicent, entering the room. Despite her attempt to maintain a regal composure and offer support, he could sense from the sadness in her eyes that she was visibly depressed and hadn't slept for days. He understood his mother well. The foundation of their family was built on unwavering loyalty and support for one another, but the Dance of Dragons had deeply affected her with the loss of two sons. Jaehaerys pondered whether the arrival of his newborn daughter would lift Alicent's spirits. "Mother," he said, reaching out to take her hand, "there is someone we wish to introduce you to."
Alicent approached her son as he gently passed over Laena to her, making sure neither woke her up. She gazed down at the tiny, sleeping infant; a flicker of warmth and tenderness crossed her face, momentarily dispelling the shadows of sorrow that had clouded her eyes. As the baby was placed in her arms, Alicent's expression softened, a smile tugging at the corners of her lips. She has another granddaughter. "She's beautiful. A beacon of light in these dark times," she whispered. "Hello, sweetling. I'm your grandmother. Oh, look at you…"
Jaehaerys felt a sense of relief wash over him as he watched his mother cradle his daughter with a tenderness that belied her regal exterior. He knew that introducing his newborn daughter to her would be a small gesture but one that he hoped would bring some light into her darkened world. And as he watched his mother's eyes light up with joy at the sight of her granddaughter, Jaehaerys felt a glimmer of hope―a hope of renewal.
Rhaenyra and Jacaerys, upon being informed, made their way to the chambers to welcome the birth of Princess Laena Targaryen, the daughter of Jaehaerys and Baela Targaryen. Rhaenyra had hoped the baby girl would be named 'Visenya' after one of the Conqueror's sister-wives. Still, her nephew gently pointed out that their family already had a Visenya Targaryen in its history and did not need another. As Rhaenyra cradled her second grandniece, Jacaerys and Jaehaerys discreetly left the room for a private discussion. Being cousins, they understood the importance of privacy when serious matters needed to be discussed.
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As they walked down the corridor, it was just these two princes.
"I would have offered my congratulations to you earlier back there, cousin, but I'm afraid what I had to say couldn't be discussed in front of the others," Jacaerys said.
"I know. It's not in your nature to disrupt the peace, Jace. Not unless it was something important," Jaehaerys replied. "Whatever needs to be said, it must be done in silence and secrecy… lest the wind shifts to the wrong people." He turned to his cousin. "What news have you?"
"The situation with this… madman, they call him 'the Shepherd,' is becoming increasingly volatile. Aegon told me what happened in the city before returning to the Red Keep and what he was preaching about. We suspect this Shepherd is using the war to justify preying on the smallfolk's fear of our dragons to his advantage, making them see dragons as demons and could potentially mobilize a mob to move against us if given the chance."
"Mm. Such a seditious conspiracy borders dangerously close to committing acts of treason." Things were different when our grandfather was alive. When King Viserys ruled, there was peace. But grandfather is dead; father has gone mad; the country is at war; winter is coming; the people are terrified. If what you're saying is true, this Shepherd seeks to use the people as pawns for his own zealous crusade. Fear, panic, desperation, and restlessness… can make anyone susceptible to manipulation if done so subtly. "And you are certain my brother was there when the Shepherd was preaching to the masses?"
"Without a doubt. That drunken brawl in a tavern? That was him. Aegon heard every word this Shepherd said. He called every Targaryen 'abominations,' 'bastards born of incest,' among other colorful names. Even insinuated Her Grace is a whore for birthing you."
Jaehaerys frowned but kept his thoughts to himself. He knew the Shepherd's deranged rambling about his mother wasn't true. Alicent Hightower was a loving and dedicated mother and an exceptional consort since Good Queen Alysanne Targaryen. She had always put the needs of the people first, and her kindness and compassion were known throughout the Seven Kingdoms. The Shepherd's words were nothing but baseless slander, nothing more than a desperate attempt to sow discord and undermine the crown's authority. He would not allow the lies of a misguided zealot to overshadow the truth of Alicent's love and devotion to her family and her duty to the Seven Kingdoms. To insinuate otherwise would make them a fool.
"There's also something else," Jacaerys added.
"What is it?" Jaehaerys asked.
"That… woman you were with. Back in the throne room."
"Mysaria, yes. What about her?"
"Are you sure we can trust her?"
"Mysaria's methods might not coincide with the crown's nor our interests, but her heart's in the right place, and her information is usually good when she coordinates with Farrier's spies."
"Well, I hope you know what you're doing."
"Trust me, you're not the only one hoping that."
At that moment, Farrier arrived. Being the Master of Whisperers, he typically briefed King Aeonar or the Hand of the King, Ser Otto Hightower, on vital intelligence reports. His arrival was unexpected, as he usually only appeared before either Aeonar or Otto. He was privy to all the secrets and intrigues of the realm. His job was to uncover plots and threats to the crown, and Farrier's sudden appearance before Jaehaerys could only mean something wrong. As the heir to the throne, Jaehaerys was well aware of the political machinations and power struggles surrounding the royal court. He had been groomed from a young age to navigate the treacherous waters of court intrigue, and he knew that whatever information Farrier had brought to him was not to be taken lightly. "Prince Jaehaerys," he said coolly.
"Farrier."
"I'm afraid I have information that can't be ignored."
"Then why come to me? Why not report to the Hand?"
"That's the problem," Farrier shook his head. "My agents have discovered some vast sums of gold being moved around, and whispers among the highborn lords were heard through many cracks and crevasses. For what purpose, we're not sure. But… we know who."
"And that would be…?"
"Ser Otto Hightower."
Jaehaerys was taken aback, his eyes widening in shock. How could Farrier accuse his maternal grandfather? At first, he was hesitant to believe it, but the look in Farrier's gaze was unmistakable. The Silver Dragon detected no duplicity. When the scroll sealed with wax was handed to him, Jaehaerys took it, broke the seal, and carefully read through the contents while Jacaerys peered over his shoulder to read along. If Otto was genuinely involved in something suspicious, what could have driven him to such actions? He might be overcautious, but his devotion to his family was never in doubt. What would make him do this? The information they had just received had the potential to shake the realm to its very core if it were exposed. Jaehaerys, Jacaerys, and Farrier shared a moment of silent understanding as they exchanged glances with one another.
"Shall I give the word?" Farrier inquired.
Jaehaerys shook his head. "No. Keep it quiet. I'll deal with it. For now, someone will need to do some digging around," he said calmly and collectively.
"I'll closely work with Farrier's men, see if it's legitimate or not," Jacaerys said. "There are council records in the royal archives. If anything, we should find any bylaws or clauses that could benefit us."
"Mm. See that it's done, cousin."
"In the meantime," Farrier continued, "I'll have some of my agents monitor the Shepherd's movements. With luck, we'll be able to learn more and know what his plans are."
Jaehaerys watched as Farrier and Jacaerys departed down the hallway. They intended to search the libraries and royal archives for detailed information about the laws of inheritance dating back to the Great Council of 101 AC and keep an eye on the situation with the Shepherd. Meanwhile, Jaehaerys was left to plan his next move. He had always been taught that duty and honor were paramount, but now he questioned everything he had been taught. His maternal grandfather, Ser Otto Hightower, had served as the Hand of the King to three separate sovereigns, including his paternal grandfather, Viserys the Peaceful, and his father, Aeonar. Jaehaerys needed answers but didn't want to confront him directly, as it might give him away. He had to be strategic and careful in his approach. Otto was a calculated, methodical, and ambitious man. However, Jaehaerys refused to be a pawn in his grandfather's game of political intrigue. If Otto wanted to play, so be it; he would play, too. For the time being, he would pretend not to know anything until the right moment presented itself.
Grandfather… why? Haven't we suffered enough?
Who that duty would taste so bitter.
Chapter End
Author's Note: Well, there you have it. Jaehaerys and Baela Targaryen have welcome their first child: a daughter, Princess Laena Targaryen. What do you all think? Also, remember how Otto Hightower was up to something a few chapters ago? Turns out, the Hand of the King was being spied upon by the Master of Whisperers himself? What kind of ramifications do you think would entail? I'll let you guys decide. One more filler arc, and we'll finally begin the epic Battle Above the Gods Eye!
Dante 101: Why wasn't Aenoar ever betrothed to Rhaenyra?
―If Aeonar hadn't fallen in love with Alicent, that would've happened
How will the status of women be affected in this AU after the Dance?
―They'd be elevated; not too much, but it'll be a start of women in Westeros having a position of authority
rj7677034: Bro you must stay consistent make a chapter every week At least
―I try
C.E.W: So now House Targaryen has a new member for the family, Laena Targaryen, daughter of Crown Prince Jaehaerys and Baela Targaryen. Already cherished by her family, her parents, her uncles and aunts, grandmother Alicent and great-grandparents Corlys Velaryon and Rhaenys. Both her grandfathers however, Aeonar and Daemon are currently absent having gone to confront Aemond at Harrenhal.
Jaehaerys is the greatest hope for the realm, if that wasn't clear before, it certainly is now. There are other pieces at work, most of which he's already seen. More recently his grandfather Otto Hightower who is likely plotting to overthrow Aeonar and put Jaehaerys on the throne which is not unjustified.
Questions:
If something happens to Otto Hightower, won't Corlys Velaryon be the next choice to serve as Hand of the King?
―That's something that remains be seen
Are the Stormlands secure for the Blacks?
―Almost
Is Aemond aware of Aeonar and Daemon coming for him at Harrenhal?
―I'll mention it in the last filler arc (next chapter)
randomdude24: Well the birth of Jay and Baela child has come, a daughter named Laena after Baela's mother, I found this to be both beautifully and well written. The whole family welcomes a new Targaryen despite the dark times. I still hope if Jay and Baela make it to the end, he has a son named Dareon.
Despite the happy occasion still many challenges ahead, The Shepherd is a problem he's preying on the people's fears to turn them aganist not only Aeonar but all the Targaryen's. Hopefully, he can be stopped before its too late. Now Otto is up to something, moving large amounts of gold for what purpose? I have guesses, but I'll wait and see.
Questions,
So will we see Ser Perkin the Flea soon, before the riots?
―I'll try to include him at some point
House Lannister has surrendered and is at the mercy of Aeonar and Jay, have they requested Tyland be shown mercy or released?
―Yes
Larys Strong, he's up to something. He wants power but what is his endgame? Aeonar and Jay will not show him mercy for what he's done.
―If he can't rule something or feels the power he acquired will be taken from him, he'll destroy it
This is a lenghty one, we have no mention of Aegon Waters, where ever he is, has been getting reports of the losses? No great house supports him, he has no army left. He's a fool, but he can't be so delusional he believes he can win, right?
―He is delusional, but still remains hidden due to Larys Strong's actions